Hearing Test

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Otoacoustic Emissions Test

Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are tiny sounds recorded in the ear canal from the cochlea. The tiny nerve cells in the cochlea (hair cells) react in certain ways to the presence of sounds. The test is conducted by inserting a soft tip into the patient’s ear. The test will produce clicking or buzzing sounds, which stimulate certain hair cells in the cochlea. If the hair cells are healthy, they will emit a tiny response (similar to an echo) that can be measured with special equipment. These responses are OAEs.

There are two types of OAEs: transient and distortion-product. Transient-evoked OAEs (TEOAEs) are elicited using a click sound. Distortion-product OAEs (DPOAEs) are elicited using two tones that are just a bit different in terms of pitch. TEOAEs do not give frequency-specific response, meaning that you cannot tell how the hair cells are working at individual frequencies. DPAOEs, on the other hand, do provide some frequency-specific information about the hair cells, although they are not as sensitive to very minimal damage of the hair cells as are TEOAEs. It is important to know that OAEs do not test hearing level, nor do they provide a degree of hearing loss. OAEs do not take the place of pure-tone hearing testing, but are a cross-check to make sure the audiogram makes sense and to assess overall cochlear function.

Both OAE measures are a valuable part of a routine hearing test. OAEs can show underlying damage to the organ of hearing before you might notice it. This is especially true in cases of noise-induced hearing loss. The hair cells are worked so hard over and over in noisy environments that they eventually become broken and damaged. This damage can be seen on an OAE test before it is measured during a regular pure-tone hearing test. This kind of warning can help a hearing professional give you a hearing loss conservation plan, including recommendations and precautions to preserve your hearing.

OAEs are also a useful test in young children or adults with disabilities who cannot do a behavioral test. Before current research was published and the automated ABR was available, OAEs were largely used as the newborn hearing screening of choice. They can be performed while the baby is awake or asleep, as long as the baby is still and not making a lot of noise. OAEs are not sensitive to other kinds of problems in the auditory pathway, so ABR is the recommended first step in newborn hearing screening. When children are older and a hearing test can be done more easily, OAEs can be helpful in filling in the gaps, making sure the hearing test is reliable, making sure a child is not over-exaggerating a hearing problem, and as a general cross-check to behavioral pure-tone thresholds for children and adults. It is quick and painless and can be done to get ear-specific information.

Trouble Hearing?

Testimonials

"Everybody was fussing at me about the TV. I noticed a few other things that made me realize that I couldn’t hear. I am on several committees at church and have been at a loss. Now, with my new hearing aids, I can hear in meetings at church and even in a crowd of people. It’s a different world."

"I had two sets of hearing aids before I came to Audiological Services. My new hearing aids are the best I’ve ever had- they are just like natural hearing. Every morning now, I sit on the patio with my coffee and listen to the birds."

"I want to thank Sally for her patience, expertise and all the time she spent with me while I was learning to hear with my new hearing aid—made my life better. When my hearing aid was sent for repair, Jacquelyn took good care of me and provided excellent maintenance."

Hearing Survey

Please answer the question below to the best of your ability. After you choose your answer, the next question will appear. At the end of the survey, you will be provided with a score, and you may send this score to us so we may discuss any hearing loss issues you are having.

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Are there situations in which you find it difficult to hear clearly?

Do you have to strain to understand conversations?

Do you have a problem hearing over the telephone?

Do you have trouble following a conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time?

Do you have trouble hearing conversations in a noisy background such as a restaurant or a group gathering?

Do you have dizziness, pain, or ringing in your ears?

Do family members or coworkers remark about you missing what has been said?

Do people complain that you turn the TV volume up too high?

Do you find it hard to hear someone when they talk in a soft voice or whisper?

Do you find understanding women and children particularly challenging?

You are not experiencing common signs of hearing loss. However, if you suspect you may have hearing loss or are experiencing other symptoms not listed here, please contact our office for a consultation.

It appears you may be experiencing signs of a hearing loss. A hearing test can help detect early signs. We recommend contacting our office to schedule a hearing test.

Your responses indicate that you are experiencing common signs of a hearing loss. We recommend that you contact us to set up an appointment for a hearing test.

You are experiencing many signs of a hearing loss. It is highly recommended that you contact our office today for an appointment to meet with a hearing professional.

Thank you, your results have been successfully sent. Someone from our office will be in touch with you shortly.